Sales and marketing are both critical parts of a successful professional services firm. So why do so many firms lump them both together? Twice each month, Mark Wainwright and John Tyreman break down, beat up, and redefine “business development” for the professional services firms of tomorrow.
In professional services, practitioners, experts, and marketing teams all pitch in to support “business development” for the firm. But what does that even mean?
Twice each month, John Tyreman and Mark Wainwright break down, beat up, and redefine “business development” for modern professional services firms. We share stories, perspective, and actionable tips that you can put into practice today.
Connect with John and Mark on LinkedIn, or visit www.breakingbizdev.com to learn more.
We're not the only ones who think BizDev needs a smack-down.
For several months now John and Mark have beaten up and broken down various business development topics like prospecting, content marketing, pricing, events, proposals, referrals, and even job descriptions.
A while back, we had this idea to go out and ask some friendly contacts what *they* believe is broken in business development. Their responses spanned nearly the entire marketing <> sales continuum referenced on the show:
🔸 Krystn Macomber on what's broken about the go/no-go process
🔸 Florian M. Heinrichs on what's broken about lead generation, especially on Fridays
🔸 Patrick Johnston on what's broken about the sales/marketing feedback loop
🔸 Joe Pope on what's broken about channel selection and deployment of resources
🔸 Perryn Olson on what's broken about branding and firm websites
Why are John and Mark Breaking BizDev?
“Business Development.”
Everyone loves to use that term to describe marketing, selling, and a bunch of other things. Unfortunately, few understand what it really is. This creates many problems, including poorly conceived and implemented marketing plans, unorganized and chaotic sales efforts, and confused marketing and “BD” team members.
Business development has become a catch-all for many things. And as a catch-all, the role has become more difficult and confusing. The Breaking BizDev podcast exists to break down, beat up, and redefine business development to help expert firms improve.
What to expect from the Breaking BizDev podcast
Twice monthly, the Breaking BizDev podcast explores business development in professional services firms to pull apart and highlight critical marketing and sales activities and strategies. We’ll work over the commonly seen yet ill-advised practices in all types of expert firms and provide clarity on how firms can think and act differently in their marketing and sales efforts.
The Marketing and Sales Continuum
In the Breaking BizDev podcast, John and Mark explore topics all along the Marketing and Sales Continuum. The image below illustrates the connection and relationship between marketing and sales:
All too often, Business Development finds itself in The Messy Middle, unable to differentiate between marketing and sales. As a result, myriad issues arise. John and Mark identify where the conversation falls along the continuum, and will stay out of The Messy Middle!
About John Tyreman, Founder & CEO, Red Cedar Marketing
John Tyreman is a seasoned professional services marketer who has helped hundreds of firms strengthen their brands and increase visibility in the marketplace. In 2022, John founded Red Cedar Marketing—a podcast agency for B2B and professional services firms. Connect with John on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Mark Wainwright, Principal Consultant and Founder, Wainwright Insight
Mark Wainwright is a sales and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience spent building and growing professional services firms. Wainwright Insight provides Fractional Sales Management to professional services firms who want to take control of their sales pipeline, build future sales leaders, and grow their practice.
If you enjoyed this podcast…
Please let John and Mark know! You are encouraged to rate and review Breaking BizDev on your favorite podcast platform. Visit www.BreakingBizDev.com for links to your platform of choice.
If you host a podcast and wish to have Mark join you as a guest, then please send an email. Mark focuses on sales in professional services firms and helps busy practitioners sell with confidence. And if you’re so inclined, your thoughts and feedback on these podcasts are always welcome.
Wainwright Insight provides fractional sales management and sales consulting to organizations who want to take control of their pipeline and build future sales leaders—but could use a little, part-time expertise. I work with professional services firms, and the experts in those firms, who need to get better at chasing and winning big deals when the stakes are high.
Please share this post however you’d like: